OVER a thousand commuters in Metro Manila were affected by the transport strike staged by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (Piston) to protest the government's public utility vehicle modernization program.

MANILA (Updated) -- At least four persons were confirmed dead and six others injured as the fire continues to raze the Manila Pavilion Hotel in Ermita, Manila, a government official said on March 18, Sunday.